Vestas closed the UK's only wind turbine blade factories, on the Isle of Wight, in August 2009. Workers occupied the factory, then picketed. This blog is a history of that dispute and of the ongoing campaign for green jobs.

URGENT: Attempt to move the blades likely at Vestas today, Friday 4 September

Vestas bosses will probably attempt to remove the remaining wind turbine blades today, Friday 4 September, from the factory at St Cross industrial estate, Newport, Isle of Wight. Our information is that they have started moving the two barges which transport the blades.

The “window” for them to move the blades is two hours either side of high tide, which means between about 9:30am and 14:30pm on Friday.

We’ve texted all Vestas workers we have numbers for, and several have already replied to say that they will be there at the “marine gate” of the St Cross factory. Please join them if you can. The “marine gate” is off the cycle track leading from Newport to Cowes, which is a turning off River Way/Manners View on the St Cross industrial estate.

If you would like to talk to someone on the Island for the latest information, try Ed on 07775 763750 but please be patient because everyone will have their hands full for the next few hours! Thanks.

Travel advice from London: we don’t take any responsibility for this info BUT if you want to travel from London it looks like it’s possible to get a 6.15 train from Waterloo to Portsmouth harbour, and then you could travel as a foot passenger on Wightlink ferries. You could be on the Island by 9.30ish. If you are interested, have a look on Megabus.

Coverage: VentnorBlog for happening news including link to a very detailed shipping map!

Categories

What we're fighting for

Vestas Blades UK made production workers at their factories on the Isle of Wight redundant on 12 August 2009. More than 500 jobs were lost. Many more jobs that depend on Vestas will follow. This makes no sense from a green or a labour perspective!

At the same time, the government announced a major expansion of renewable energy including wind power. We are calling on the government to intervene to save jobs at companies like Vestas - through nationalisation if that is what it takes - to show that it is serious about saving the planet.

Actions & meetings

Wednesday 17 February

NEWPORT, ISLE OF WIGHT 7pm, Save Our Services public meeting, called by Unison, but open to all who want to campaign against the proposed cuts to council and all jobs and services. Venue: Hunnyhill Room, The Riverside Centre, The Quay, Newport, Isle of Wight.